Tibet Overland Tour

8 Days

Overview

Tibet Overland Tour is an eight days itinerary pack tour in which you drive over in a private vehicle all the way from Kathmandu to Lhasa stopping on the way at Tingri, Shigatse, Gyantse and finally Lhasa where you stop for the night and fly out to your next destination, while on the way stopping and visiting cultural places of importance to this overland tour in Tibet.

A part of Nepal and the remaining being Tibet, where you do this Tibet Overland Tour, has some of the most magnificent and rugged terrain and culture to choose from in its rural terrain out far from the clinches of proper modern civilization. This is what this drive in the overland tour of Tibet takes you through. Nearly forty percent of the drive takes you through the rugged but green part of Nepal bringing into view the Himalayan Mountains with its mountains covered with snow. Then passing onto a desolate plateau which in some way is due to the height of the Himalayan Mountains to keep it so. This desolation and the lacking of humidity has sculptured out some of a special terrain allowing the people here in the Tibetan plateau that call it home to culturally and religiously evolve to semi-nomadic ways but keep building iconic figures of monasteries, temples and other artifacts of cultural worth in this vast desolate tableland. Fortunately, Tibet is the highest plateau of the colder kind in the world. This Tibet Overland Tour simply brings you across this delight in the eight days while you are on the road.

Simply, the terrain which you pass over from one being lush green nearly twenty percent of the way in Nepal and then some in Tibet is the first take of this trip in a vehicle to Lhasa and then there are the periodic sightings of mountain peaks such as Langtang, Gaurisankar, and Melungtse when we drive to the Tibetan border. The next important asset of the trip is the Lalungla Pass at 5,200 meters high which gives a panoramic view of not only the Himalayan Range but also Shisapangma, the highest peak in Tibet, then at lunch on the way the sight of Everest comes streaming into view. Shigatse, the town which we stop at on the way, has the Tashilumpo Monastery, where the Panchen Lama stays, making it the most important one among the Tibetans. Then strolling in the city of Gyantse, we see the old fort of the raid of 1904 by Young Husband and the Kumbum Monastery with its extraordinary architecture. And when we finally hit Lhasa, the visit to the Potala Palace, the Drepung and Sera Monasteries, the Jokhang Temple and the iconic Barkhor Street Market makes taking this Tibet Overland Tour all the more special for anyone who likes a combination of culture on a road trip in a different natural land of Tibet.

Where do we stay while on the road?
You will be stopping off at large and small towns in Tibet all of these places have lodges and some hotels where you will stay for the night. Food such as lunch dinner and breakfast is also provided at the hotels and while on the road, packed food will be the norm.

Outline Trekking for Tibet Overland Tour
Day 01: Kathmandu (1300) -Kerung Border
Day 02: Kerung – Tingri (4300m)/Lhatse (4,350m)
Day 3: Lhatse to Shigatse (3,900m)
Day 4: Shigatse to Gyantse (3,950m)
Day 5: Gyantse to Lhasa (3,650m)
Day 6 and 7: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 8: Fly back to Kathmandu or other destination

Trip Highlights

  • Witness panoramic view of Himalayas during the flight.
  • Enjjoy guided city tour of Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery etc.)
  • Visit Barkhor Street Market & do great shopping
  • Explore Tibetan Buddhist culture & tradition

Itinerary

Early in the morning, we will have to drive from Kathmandu to Kerung (Nepal-Tibet Border) which takes 6-7 hours past the beautiful Nepalese countryside. After clearing necessary border formalities at Nepalese immigration, we take an hour's adventurous uphill drive to Kerung. In case of a landslide at the Chinese side, we walk uphill for 2 hours to reach Kerung then check-in hotel at Kerung. Stay. We stay the night here in a hotel.

We drive to Tingri today which is uphill to the highest plateau in the world. En-route if the weather permits, we will witness a spectacular panorama of Himalayan ranges including Mt Cho Oyu (8201m) & Mt Shishapangma (8012m) but dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. Once reaching Tingri, we can enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Everest (8,848m). We stay the night here in a hotel.

Today we drive from Lhatse to Shigatse at 3,900 m which takes about four hours at this height. This city is the second largest in Tibet, which holds the most important monastery called the Tashilumpo which houses the Panchen Lama. We stay the night here in a hotel.

Today after strolling through the city, we take the drive to Gyantse for about two and a half hours. This is a farming town that has an old fort captured by Young Husband in 1904 in his raid into Tibet. But the main item is the Kumbum Monastery that has extraordinary architecture.

It will be a long drive from Gyantse to Lhasa in which we will cross the Karola Pass and beautiful glaciers. We get the privilege of seeing Yamdrok Tso Lake, which means the turquoise lake and then the Kambala Pass from where we descend to the main highway to Lhasa. We stay the night in a hotel here.

In these two days in Lhasa, you will go sightseeing to the Potala Palace, Drepung and Sera Monasteries and the well-known Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Street Market. We stay the night at a hotel.

Today you will be taken to the airport and bid farewell by your tour operator in Lhasa for your return flight to either Kathmandu or to any other.
At Breakfree Adventure, we hope that you had a wonderful road trip and a cultural tour where we take your safety and comfort of utter importance.

Cost

What is Included

  • Private transportation by Land Cruiser.
  • Tibet travel permit
  • English speaking Tibetan guide.
  • Accommodation on twin sharing room basis.
  • Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per our itinerary
  • Daily breakfast.
  • Government taxes and Service charge.

What is Not Included

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Nepal re-entry visa fee
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Personal expenses such as a drink, tips & etc.

FAQs

Where is Tibet located?

Tibet is located in the south-west of China bordering India, Nepal, Myanmar (Burma) and Bhutan. Tibet is the highest region on Earth, with an average elevation of 5,000 m. It covers much of the Tibetan Plateau covering about 2.5 million km2. Tibet is under China’s occupation and known as Tibet Autonomous Region or TAR.

How to enter Tibet?

Tibet can be entered either overland or by flight. You can enter Tibet by driving overland from Kathmandu and drive to Lhasa crossing over the Kerung Nepal Tibet border or you can take the train from mainland China ing and go to Lhasa. This train service goes around the highest point on earth through the vast Tibetan plateau. By air, you can fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa where there’s a daily flight.

What is Tibet overland tour Kathmandu?

Tibet overland tour Kathmandu is the most popular tour which is the take the amazing overland journey starting from Kathmandu and all the way to the ancient city of Lhasa. En-route you will pass over several remote towns of Tibet with great Himalayan panorama, witnessing unique Buddhist culture and tradition, and driving past
the Tibetan plateau.

How to travel from Kathmandu to Tibet? Can I fly to fly to Lhasa Tibet?

You can either fly or drive to Tibet from Kathmandu. There’s a daily flight in between Tibet’s capital Lhasa and Kathmandu. By overland, you need to cross the Kerung border from Kathmandu and drive to Lhasa passing along small towns like Gyantse, Sygatse etc. The overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa takes 5 days overland drive.

Is the road condition good in Nepal and Tibet?

Nepal road condition is good and it’s a narrow road but a scenic drive through Nepalese countryside but closer to the Kerung Nepal Tibet border is little off-road. In Tibet, the road from Gyantse, Shigatse to Lhasas and Everest is asphalted. But some sections, especially the road to Yamdrok Lake and Mount Everest, are rather winding.

Is there Kathmandu to Tibet by train?

No, Kathmandu to Tibet by train isn’t available and the only option is the overland drive.

Do I need a Tibet visa to enter Tibet?

Yes, Tibet visa to enter Tibet or Tibet permit which is called Tibet Travel Permit is required on top of a Chinese visa. Both can be obtained in Kathmandu via a travel agent. A valid visa for China is not the same as a Tibet Travel Permit. Those with a Chinese tourist visa will still need to apply for a Tibet travel permit.

Can I apply for the Tibet visa myself?

Unfortunately, you can’t and as per the Chinese government strict policy, one can’t get visas by themselves and travel individually.

How long does it take to get Tibet Visa?

It can take about a week and in urgent cases, it will take three days but you need to pay extra to process the permit urgently.

Will I still need a Tibet permit if I am entering Tibet via China?

Yes, you will still need Tibet permit entering via China and we can process that. Just let us know your exact travel date a week before your tour departure and we shall process with the Tibet travel permit.

What is required to apply for a Tibet travel permit?

You need to send a copy of your passport details then we shall apply for the permit. You need to arrive Kathmandu at least 2 or 3 days before your travel date during when your original passport and passport photos are required to issue the Tibet travel permit from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu.

Is travel insurance for Tibet required?

It’s good to have travel insurance for Tibet since Tibet is located in the higher altitude with an average of 3,000 m to 4,000 meters. So, it’ safe to have medical insurance where altitude sickness can occur.

Can I travel alone in Tibet?

No, you must use an authorized travel company to take care of your visa and permit including arranging the entire tour.

What is the best time to visit Tibet?

The best time to visit Tibet is from May to October. It will be summer during this time when sunshine melts the snow and high passes are opened up. Visiting on spring will give you green vegetation and in spring beautiful wildflower carpet. June to August is the monsoon season so quite not a good time to travel.

Will I have a Tibet guide during the tour?

Yes, and it will be a trained native Tibetan guide who shall lead your tour and take you to all the sightseeing places giving you all the interesting information.

How are hotels in Tibet China?

There some good hotels in Tibet China from standard and tourist classes. You can find luxury hotels in the city of Lhasa too but outside Lhasa, it will be basic standard accommodations but with good rooms and better facilities.

Are there 5-star hotels in Tibet?

Yes, there are choices of 5-star hotels in Tibet but at the Lhasa City only.

What currency used in Tibet?

The currency used in Tibet is Chinese Remimbian Yuan. US$1 is equivalent to 6 to 8 Yuan which can differ slightly as per daily rates. Credit cards can also be used in many big stores, hotels or you can take out local currency through ATM located in cities and towns.

Is there altitude sickness in Lhasa Tibet?

Tibet is located at a higher altitude so altitude sickness can occur; if not you can also feel a slight headache due to high altitude. By overland drive, you slowly drive from low to high altitude adapting with the altitude gained. If you are directly flying to Lhasa then you are suggested to rest at your hotel on your arrival day and start the tour the next day. Altitude sickness depends upon individuals so it’s not also confirmed that everyone will get it. Just drink enough water and rest.

Do I require vaccinations for travel to Tibet?

Recommended vaccinations for travel to Tibet are hepatitis A and typhoid fever, as well as diarrhea. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended if you are traveling the southeastern part of the country, in conjunction with insect repellents and other measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Are there any special tips for travel to Tibet?

You need to respect the culture and traditions while traveling in Buddhist countries like when you are making a ‘kora’- circulating a temple, please walk in a clockwise direction. Take off your shoes, sunglass or hat while entering a monastery. Some monasteries are forbidden to enter and ask for permission before taking a photo of
locals.

Trip Information

Tour guide
We have a team of highly experienced and professionally trained tour guides who are thoroughly versed in culture and history of each place of the places you will be visiting.

Tour Availability
We operate Tibet Overland Tour with your personal guide and can be organised as per the desired traveling dates.

Vehicle
We use comfortable car/mini-van for the sightseeing tours. For up to 2 people, car is provided and mini-van is for the group 3-10 people.

Tour duration
The tour duration is 07 nights/08 days.

Clothing
The climate of the Tibet fluctuates continuously so it is better to carry warm clothes. If you just want to trek or tour at a lower altitude, fleece jackets and pants are enough. While for a higher altitude trekking, down jackets are necessary.

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Tibet Overland Tour

Trip Facts

  • Tibet
  • 07 Nights/08 Days
  • All year round
  • Jeep / Van / Flight
  • Gyantse (3950m)
  • Moderate
  • Kathmandu
  • Lhasa
  • Cultural Spiritual Experience
  • Lhasa, Potala palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Norbulinka
  • Lodges/Hotels

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